Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northwestern; Class of 2012
- University of Minnesota; Infant and Mental Health Certification
Experience:
This is my 3rd year at Walnut Street School and DMPS. Prior to this, I spent 9 years as an Early Childhood Mental Health Professional.
I split my time between Walnut Street and Downtown Elementary as the School Community Coordinator.
Family/ Hobbies:
My husband Jacob and I moved to Des Moines in 2022, along with our toddler, Zeke, and Australian Shepherd, Tonks, from rural Minnesota. Outside of serving families and kids, I love to cook/bake, read, be outside (especially on the lake), and take the occasional solo trip to Target and TJ Maxx.
I am the Success Case Manager that is split between Walnut Street and Perkins for the 23-24 school year. I have my bachelor’s degree from Grand View in Human Services. I have been in the field in various positions for the last 20 years. My passion is helping families overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. I have two kids, 9 and 5. We enjoy being outside, cuddling animals, art and laughing together.
Education:
o I completed my undergraduate degree in May of 2016 at Oklahoma State University and later completed my Master of Education in December of 2022 at the University of Central Oklahoma.
International Baccalaureate Training:
o None to date
Teaching Experience:
I have 6 years of experience teaching kindergarten, 1st, and 3rd grades before transitioning into the school counseling role. This is my first year serving as a School Counselor.
Family/ Hobbies:
My husband and I moved to Des Moines during the spring of 2023 from Oklahoma. Currently we have three dogs Baxter, Benson, and Stella. I enjoy spending time with them and friends. I love spending time at the lake during my summers. In my free time, I can often be found with a book in my hand.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science ( Elementary Education) from Iowa State University 2012
- Master of Science Educational Leadership (Administration), Creighton University 2020
International Baccalaureate Training:
Category I: Making the PYP Happen
Teaching Experience:
- Nine years teaching preschool
- Two years Special Education Associate
- Two years substitute teaching – Waukee
- One-year teaching 1st grade
- Six years teaching Fourth and Fifth grade
Family/ Hobbies:
I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters. I love traveling, cooking, gardening, reading and anything craft related.
Class Description
Amy Dace, BSN, RN, CCM
Elementary School Nurse
Downtown School P: 515-242-8422 / F: 515242-7391
Walnut Street School P: 515-242-8438 | F: 515-242-8372
- I was a student of DMPS myself. I graduated from Lincoln High School. I practically grew up in the Round House; my Dad was a former teacher and coach there for years. I attended Grand View University where I received my Bachelor’s in Science in Nursing (BSN) and am certified in case management (CCM).
- I have had a variety of experiences during my career of 29 years. After graduation I started at BMC in Medical Psychiatry. Later I went to IMMC/Unity Point. My background there included: Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Triage, Leadership/Management, Diabetic Education and Case Management. I was there for a total of 24 years. This year I will be starting my third year as a school nurse at the Downtown School with the addition of Walnut Street School. I’m very excited to meet everyone there and look forward to developing long lasting relationships.
- I’ve been married for 29 years to my husband, Scott. My youngest daughter, Jenna, just graduated from ISU and is starting her own career this fall as a teacher. My older daughter graduated from GVU and currently teaches for DMPS. When I have time, I enjoy gardening in my flowerbeds, reading and wrangling my three crazy French Bulldogs: Nora, Lincoln and Pearl.